Calpe marked a vibrant return to one of its most cherished traditions this weekend with the Mig Any, the mid-year celebration of its iconic Moros y Cristianos festival, offering a colourful preview of what’s to come in 2026.

A centuries-old tradition at the heart of Costa Blanca culture

Held annually as a symbolic halfway point, the Mig Any is far more than a warm-up event. It plays a key role in sustaining the cultural heartbeat of the town, bringing together filaes (festival groups), local families, and visitors in a shared expression of history, identity and community pride.

Rooted in centuries-old traditions that commemorate the historical clashes between Moors and Christians during the Reconquista, the festival has evolved into one of the Costa Blanca’s most visually striking and socially significant celebrations.

A weekend of ceremonies, music and community spirit

Across the weekend, Calpe’s streets and squares transformed into a hub of activity. Festive dinners in kábilas set the tone on Friday night, while Saturday saw one of the most anticipated moments: the official presentation of the 2026 festival leaders.

This ceremonial handover is central to the Mig Any, symbolising continuity and honour within the participating groups: a key theme also highlighted in local council coverage shared over the weekend.

Family traditions keep the festival alive

Sunday brought a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with a popular paella competition and children’s parades drawing crowds into the heart of the town.

The strong intergenerational participation – from young children stepping into costume for the first time to long-standing members maintaining decades-old roles – remains one of the defining features of the celebration.

Building momentum for the main 2026 festivities

While the main Moros y Cristianos celebrations take place later in the year, the Mig Any offers an essential moment of reconnection – a chance for participants to regroup, celebrate, and build anticipation.

For locals, it’s a reaffirmation of identity; for visitors, an intimate glimpse into one of Spain’s most captivating cultural traditions,  with Calpe now firmly on course for another spectacular festival in 2026.

The future of volleyball in Altea is already her – and it’s making waves. A group of young athletes from CV Altea Planet has achieved something never seen before in the town’s sporting history: reaching the Alevín Femenina Final Autonómica, a milestone that signals both progress and promise for grassroots sport in the region.

A breakthrough moment for Altea’s young athletes

For the first time ever, a team from the municipal volleyball school secured a place among the best in the Valencian Community. Their qualification alone marked a historic achievement, reflecting years of dedication from players, coaches and the wider club.

Taking part in the final phase placed the Altea squad alongside some of the strongest youth teams in the region, an experience that proved both challenging and invaluable.

A tough debut against eventual champions

The competition began with a demanding opening match against CV Elche, a team that would go on to claim the regional title. Despite the strength of their opponents, the Altea players showed determination early on, competing well in the opening points and demonstrating their growing tactical awareness.

However, as the match progressed, Elche’s experience and intensity began to dominate, ultimately securing them the win. For the young Altea side, it was a lesson in high-level competition – and a glimpse of the standards required to reach the top.

Learning, growing, and gaining experience

While results are always part of the story, the real success lies in the experience gained. Competing at this level offers invaluable exposure, helping players develop resilience, teamwork, and confidence under pressure.

For many of these athletes, this was their first taste of elite regional competition. Facing top-tier opposition accelerates development and provides a benchmark for future improvement, something coaches will undoubtedly build on in the seasons ahead.

A sign of a strong grassroots system

This milestone is not just about one tournament, it reflects the strength of Altea’s youth development system. The municipal volleyball school continues to nurture talent from a young age, creating a pathway for players to progress through the ranks.

The presence of Altea in a regional final highlights the effectiveness of this approach, showing that smaller clubs can compete with established powerhouses when investment in grassroots sport is prioritised.

Looking ahead: the future is bright

Although the tournament didn’t end with a title, the long-term impact could be far more significant. This generation of players has laid the foundation for future success, proving that Altea can compete on the regional stage.

More importantly, they’ve inspired the next wave of young athletes. Visibility matters, especially in youth sport, and seeing local players reach such heights can motivate others to follow in their footsteps.

With continued support, training, and opportunities, it’s likely this won’t be the last time CV Altea Planet appears in a final.

More than just a result

In the end, the story isn’t defined by wins or losses. It’s about progress, ambition, and the courage to compete at the highest level available.

For CV Altea Planet, this debut in the Final Autonómica is just the beginning, a clear sign that something special is growing in Altea’s sporting community.

The coastal town of Altea has once again showcased the strength of its community with a successful new edition of its annual Associations Fair, bringing together dozens of local groups and attracting a strong turnout from residents and visitors alike.

Held in the heart of the town, the event has firmly established itself as a key date in Altea’s social calendar. It offers a rare opportunity for the public to engage directly with the organisations that help shape daily life in the municipality, from cultural and sporting clubs to charities and volunteer groups.

From early morning, the atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with a steady flow of people exploring the various stands. Around thirty associations took part, each presenting their work, initiatives, and upcoming activities in an open and accessible setting designed to encourage conversation and connection.

A platform for local voices

More than just a community event, the fair serves as an important platform to highlight the often unseen efforts of local associations. Many of these groups operate year-round, providing essential services and fostering social cohesion, yet rarely receive widespread visibility.

Each organisation was given space to showcase its mission, recruit new members, and build relationships with both the public and other associations. This collaborative spirit lies at the heart of the fair’s purpose: strengthening ties across the community while encouraging new partnerships.

This year also introduced an added feature: a printed guide including information on all participating associations. The initiative aims to extend the impact of the event beyond a single day, making it easier for residents to discover and connect with local groups throughout the year.

A day of participation and connection

One of the standout elements of the event was the high level of public engagement. Families, young people, and older residents alike spent time visiting the stands, learning about different initiatives, and finding ways to get involved.

The fair was designed as an interactive experience rather than a commercial one. There were no sales stalls – instead, the focus remained firmly on sharing knowledge, building relationships, and celebrating community values.

Music and small activities added to the festive feel, transforming the event into a vibrant social gathering where people could connect in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Growing year after year

Now in its third edition, Altea’s Associations Fair continues to grow in both scale and significance. The increasing number of participating groups, combined with strong public interest, reflects a thriving and engaged local population.

The event not only recognises the dedication of those involved in community organisations but also encourages wider participation. It acts as a reminder that the town’s identity is shaped not just by its scenic surroundings, but by the people and initiatives that bring it to life.

With another successful edition completed, the Associations Fair has reinforced its role as a cornerstone of community life in Altea – and a celebration of the collective effort that keeps the town connected.